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Eiffel Tower elevator or 674 stairs? How to choose your best route

ParisEiffel Tower TicketsHow to get to the top

Viewing the Eiffel from around Paris is one thing, but viewing the city from the top of the tower is another– we’ll leave it to you to decide on which one is more magical! While you can spot the Iron Lady from anywhere in the city (literally, anywhere), the Parisian landscape is best enjoyed atop the Eiffel itself with a side of champagne and croissants. Now that you’ve made up your mind to catch the beautiful vistas of the City of Love, wondering how to reach the top of the Eiffel?

Keep reading to know everything about ascending the tower, whether to take the elevator or the stairs and more in this guide.

How many floors does the Eiffel Tower have?

1/4

Esplanade

The ground floor, or Esplanade, is the starting point for your Eiffel Tower visit. Whether you're using the elevators or stairs, you'll pass through this area. Here, you can explore gardens, view historic lift machinery, see a statue of Gustave Eiffel, grab a meal, or shop for souvenirs. Best of all, access to the Esplanade is free!

First floor

To reach the first floor, you can either climb the stairs from the South entrance or use the elevator from the East or West sides. Once there, you can enjoy a variety of activities, including a thrilling walk on the glass floor, dining at Madame Brasserie, watching cinema projections, shopping for souvenirs, or attending seasonal cultural shows. You'll need a ticket to access the first floor or a reservation at Madame Brasserie, which grants free access to this level.

Second floor

The second floor of the Eiffel Tower can be accessed through a climb of the 674 steps from the South Pillar or the elevator from the East or West Pillars. Once there, you can enjoy breathtaking city views, indulge in gourmet cuisine at Le Jules Verne or the Macaron Bar, and shop for unique souvenirs. Remember to purchase a ticket for the second floor, which can be combined with a summit ticket for a well-rounded visit.

Summit

To reach the summit of the Eiffel Tower, you'll need to take the elevator from the second floor. Unfortunately, the stairs are not open to the public. Once at the summit, you can explore Gustave Eiffel's office, enjoy champagne at the Champagne Bar, and admire panoramic views of Paris, including iconic sights like the Louvre and the Seine. Remember, you'll need a separate ticket for the summit.

Getting to the top: the stairs vs. the elevators

Now that you know what is there to explore inside the Eiffel Tower, wondering how to get there? From the stairs and elevators option, which one is the best for you? Let’s compare the two in detail. 

The stairs

The Eiffel Tower has 4 staircases, one within each pillar, leading from the ground floor to the second floor. Additionally, there's a fifth staircase connecting the second floor to the summit. However, only the staircase nestled within the South Pillar is open to the public.

Overview

How many stairs are there?

There are 674 steps to climb to the second floor, split into two sections: 327 steps to the first floor, and another 347 steps from the first to the second floor. While there are steps leading all the way to the top of the tower, they're closed to the public for safety reasons, as strong winds at high altitudes can be dangerous.

Okay, so much time will it take?

It'll take you around 30 to 45 minutes to reach the second floor by stairs, depending on your fitness level.

Do I need tickets?

Keep in mind that tickets for climbing the stairs are separate from lift tickets. You can buy these tickets online or at the Eiffel Tower ticket counter.

Why should I take ‘em?

  • For the views and more: Climbing the 674 steps offers a unique vantage point of Paris, with stunning views through the iron supports of the tower.
  • For smaller crowds: The stair queues are significantly shorter than the lift queues, allowing for a more peaceful and less crowded experience.
  • For your Instagram: With fewer people around, you can capture stunning photos of Paris's iconic skyline without distractions.
  • For your pocket: Tickets for the stairs are more affordable than lift tickets, saving you money.
  • For saving time: Shorter queues for the stairs mean you can spend less time waiting and more time enjoying the view.

Plan your climb

What are my ticket options?

If you're keen on climbing the stairs to the second floor, you can purchase tickets online or directly at the ticket counter located at the South Pillar, marked by a blue flag.
If you’re looking for a blend of exertion and convenience, a "stairs + lift" ticket is available. This ticket allows you to ascend the stairs to the second floor and then take the lift to the top of the tower.

What’s the best time to climb?

The best times to tackle the stairs are early morning or evening. The cooler temperatures in the morning make the climb less tiring. And, as the sun sets, Paris lights up, creating a breathtaking nighttime view that's best enjoyed from the top of the tower.

The elevators

There are elevators to the second floor on the North, East, and West Pillars of the Eiffel Tower. These pillars are located on the esplanade, which is the ground level of the tower.

Overview

How many elevators are there?

The Eiffel Tower operates with six lifts: three whisk visitors from the ground floor to the second floor, located in the North, East, and West pillars. Two lifts connect the second and third floors, while a dedicated lift in the South pillar serves patrons of the exclusive Jules Verne restaurant, also situated on the second floor.

Okay, so how much time will it take?

Each journey takes approximately 2-3 minutes.

Do I need tickets?

If you've purchased a ticket to the top of the Eiffel Tower, you can continue your ascent from the second floor. Two dedicated elevators will take you to the summit in about 5 minutes.

For a quick ascent

Elevators provide a fast and easy way to reach the second floor.

For the unmatched views

The glass elevators offer breathtaking views of Paris through the intricate ironwork of the tower.

For convenience

Avoid the strenuous climb of 600+ steps and enjoy a comfortable ride to the second floor.

For your bucket list

A lift ride to the top of the Eiffel Tower is a must-do for any visitor to Paris.

Plan your climb

What are my ticket options?

If you're planning to take the elevator to the top of the Eiffel Tower, head to either the East or West Pillar. Those with pre-purchased tickets should look for the green flags marking the entrance. For those who need to buy tickets, follow the yellow flags to the ticket counters. Each pillar has a booth where you can purchase or validate your ticket.

What’s the best time to climb?

To avoid the crowds, aim to take the elevator either early in the morning, before 10:30am, or later in the evening, after 5pm. Weekdays like Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday are generally less busy than weekends. It's best to avoid visiting on Saturdays, Sundays, or during public holidays as these are peak times.

Looking back: History of the Eiffel stairs and elevators

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The Eiffel Tower stairs history 

  • Early 1889: Construction of the Eiffel Tower included spiral staircases for access to various levels.
  • 15 May 1889: The Eiffel Tower opened to the public during the Paris World Exhibition. At this time, the only way to ascend the tower was by using the stairs.
  • 26 May 1889: The first lifts were introduced, offering an alternative to climbing the stairs.
  • Original Staircase Details (1889):
    360 steps from the ground floor to the first floor.
    380 steps from the first floor to the second floor.
    1,062 steps from the second floor to the top, although this upper section was not open to the public due to safety concerns.
  • Modifications over time:
    The stairs were redesigned and improved for visitor comfort.
    Currently, there are 327 steps to the first floor and 347 steps to the second floor.
    Wide landings were added for rest breaks. The unsafe staircase from the second floor to the top was replaced with a safer, more traditional design.
  • Present day: The original historic staircase is preserved and displayed on the first floor, still showcasing its original color.

The Eiffel Tower elevators history 

  • 1889: The Eiffel Tower opens with five original elevators, one for each pillar, and one dedicated to the summit. A unique Edoux elevator is introduced to transport visitors between the second and third floors.
  • Early 1900s: Hydraulic lifts are renovated for the 1900 World Exhibition. Otis elevators replace the original lifts in the North and South pillars. The Edoux elevator is decommissioned in 1983.
  • Mid-20th century: Schneider lifts are installed in the North pillar in 1965. Five-Lille hydraulic elevators remain in operation in the East and West pillars.
  • Late 20th century: The North and South pillar elevators are replaced with double cabins in 1983. The original elevators in the North and South pillars are dismantled in 1910.
  • Early 21st century: A project to restore the original West pillar elevator begins in 2008. The restoration project is completed in 2014, combining historic charm with modern technology. A new eco-friendly cooling system is implemented to reduce the tower’s carbon footprint.

Making the choice: Elevator or stairs

Feature
Stairs
Lifts
Experience
Unique workout with stunning views of Paris along the way.
Comfortable, scenic ride with glass elevator photo ops.
Ticket Cost
Cheaper than lift tickets.
More expensive than stair tickets.
Waiting Time
Cheaper than lift tickets.
Long wait times, up to 2 hours during peak season.
Accessibility
Not suitable for families with young children or those with walking difficulties.
Accessible for all, including families and individuals with mobility challenges.
Effort Level
Physically demanding; suitable for those in good health.
Hassle-free and requires no physical exertion.
Maximum Reach
Up to the second floor.
Can reach the summit of the tower.
View Experience
Great views from stair platforms at various heights.
Panoramic views of Paris during the ride.
Time-Saving
Saves about 2 hours compared to the lift, for the second floor.
Longer wait times but faster once the ride begins.
Popularity
Less crowded option.
Very popular and often crowded.

Frequently asked questions about ascending the Eiffel Tower

How do I get to the top of the Eiffel Tower?

You can reach the top of the Eiffel Tower using a combination of stairs and elevators. Visitors can climb the stairs to the second floor, then take an elevator to the summit.

Can I take the stairs to the summit?

No, the stairs only lead up to the second floor. To reach the summit, you must use the elevator from the second floor.

Are there tickets specifically for using the stairs?

Yes, tickets are available for stair access to the second floor. These are often cheaper than elevator tickets.

Are the elevators wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the elevators are wheelchair accessible, but note that access to the summit may depend on weather and operational conditions.

Do elevator tickets include access to all levels?

Yes, elevator tickets typically include access to the ground, second floor, and summit (depending on the ticket type).

Are there rest points while climbing the stairs?

Yes, there are rest points along the way where you can pause and enjoy the view.

How long does it take to climb to the second floor?

The average time to climb to the second floor is about 20-30 minutes, depending on your pace.

Are the stairs open year-round?

Yes, the stairs are generally open year-round, but access may be limited during adverse weather conditions.